The All Progressives Congress (APC) may name a new National Chairman on Thursday as its National Executive Committee (NEC) convenes in Abuja for a highly anticipated meeting.
This development follows the resignation of former Chairman and ex-Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, who stepped down in June citing health reasons. However, political observers suggest his exit was driven by internal party dynamics and strategic repositioning ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Since Ganduje’s departure, Deputy National Chairman (North), Ali Dalori, has been serving in an acting capacity. According to multiple party sources, Thursday’s NEC agenda includes the selection of a substantive National Chairman, updates from the Constitution Review Committee, and discussions on party congresses, among other matters.
Party insiders revealed that a growing number of leaders support Dalori remaining in the role until an Elective Convention is held to choose new National Working Committee (NWC) members. However, others are pushing for an immediate replacement, with President Bola Tinubu expected to make the final call.
Among the top contenders are former Nasarawa State Governor, Tanko Al-Makura, and Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda both from the North Central region, which is lobbying for the chairmanship to return to its zone.
NEC’s Powers and Constitutional Backing
The APC Constitution empowers the NEC to appoint a National Chairman and establish a Caretaker Committee if necessary. Article 13.3 of the 2022 amended party constitution grants the NEC authority to act on behalf of the National Convention between sessions and allows it to form caretaker structures for up to 12 months if required.
Announcing the upcoming meeting, APC Deputy National Secretary, Festus Fuanter, confirmed that the NEC would meet on July 24 at the party’s headquarters in Abuja. He also noted that the appointment of a new chairman, if decided during the meeting, would still require confirmation at the next convention.
Lobbying Intensifies Ahead of Decision
A top party official, speaking anonymously, revealed that lobbying had intensified in recent days. Several high-ranking members are championing the candidacies of Al-Makura, Yilwatda, and Dalori. Meanwhile, President Tinubu widely seen as the deciding voice in the matter was reportedly briefed during a meeting with party leaders at the Presidential Villa on Monday.
While it’s unclear whether the NEC will announce a substantive chairman on Thursday, the meeting is expected to shape the party’s direction. “The NEC is a crucial organ of the party,” a source said. “Its decision, combined with the President’s input, will clarify the leadership question.”
The source also confirmed that the meeting agenda includes digital registration of members (E-registration), updates on constitutional amendments, preparations for upcoming by-elections, and other internal matters.
North-Central Demands Fairness
Meanwhile, the APC North-Central Forum has appealed to the party to return the chairmanship to their region, citing past contributions and the region’s strategic importance.
In a statement signed by its chairman, Saleh Zazzaga, the forum stressed that denying the region the opportunity would be unfair, noting that the zone has consistently delivered results for the APC. The forum also pointed out that the North Central produced the last substantive chairman, Abdullahi Adamu, before Ganduje took over in 2023.
“The region contributed the third-highest number of votes for President Tinubu in the 2023 presidential election and currently controls five of the six APC-led states in the region,” the statement noted. “It’s not a favour. It’s a matter of equity and justice.”
The forum rejected calls for Dalori’s continued tenure as acting chairman, warning that doing so would sideline the North Central and risk internal discontent.
North-West Chapters Call for Due Process
Responding to the North-Central agitation, APC leaders in the North-West have called for adherence to due process. The Kaduna State APC Publicity Secretary, Salisu Wusono, emphasized that the party’s constitution should guide all decisions.
“All we ask is that decisions are made in line with democratic principles and our party constitution,” he stated.
Similarly, Zamfara APC spokesman, Yusuf Idris, expressed readiness to support any candidate chosen as long as they are committed to promoting unity and progress within the party.
“We were not happy about Ganduje’s resignation, but we’ll support whoever emerges as the next chairman, regardless of region provided they can lead effectively,” he said.
NEC Meeting Holds Key to APC’s Future
Confirming the agenda, APC Deputy Organising Secretary, Eze Duru, told The PUNCH that the meeting will address E-registration, receive reports from party directorates, and possibly consider the matter of a substantive National Chairman.
He explained that the digital registration process is aimed at expanding access and improving member verification, noting, “It’s about making the APC more accessible and accountable to its members.”
As expectations build ahead of Thursday’s meeting, party insiders say it will be a defining moment for the APC’s internal cohesion and preparation for future electoral contests.
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